Sunday, March 8, 2009

Italian Beef

This recipe is one that my extended family makes often for birthday parties and large family gatherings, but I'm not sure why I don't think to often include it in our normal rotation. It does make a large crock-pot full of meat, but also reheats easily and is especially convenient during busy weeks. My two little ones are both sick at the moment, so I chose this week to make it as it would make for easy leftovers when my babies could use more of my time. I tend to like my sandwiches a little more on the mild side, so I use the mild pepperocinis in the recipe and give my husband (who prefers the extra spice) a pile of them on the side which he can add to his sandwich. I find this is the easiest way to make sure that everyone is satisfied and can enjoy their meal at their own taste.

Italian Beef

Chuck roast (I use the biggest one I can find at the store-- like I said, it reheats really well!)

1 jar mild pepperocini slices

1 envelope onion soup mix

1 green pepper, sliced

1 large can mushroom pieces

1/2 chopped onion

chopped garlic to taste

Put all ingredients in the crock pot on low. (Do not drain the mushroom pieces or the pepperocinis. You want this liquid to cook the beef in.) After 8 hours, shred the meat with two forks. Continue cooking. Serve in sturdy rolls.

This is one of my favorite recipes! I was almost half tempted to make it for Maddie's b-day party, had I not already served it for a couple of Jake's :) Good idea to use the pepperocini slices--I bet it is much easier and it would work out well to serve additional on the side, for anyone who does like that "extra kick"! Like you, I can't handle anything too spicy, but the spicier the better, for Marcus!

About Me

I started cooking in the kitchen with my mother when I was very little, and cannot wait to share those same experiences with my two children as they grow older. Cooking and baking is the ultimate relaxation for me and I love the joy of creating something new and sharing it with the people I love. I'm always looking for interesting new recipes, but also like to experiment with creating dishes and baked goods of my own. I love the way that certain foods (and sometimes the process associated with making them) can envoke cherished memories and I look forward to making new memories to pass on to my own children.